HDD PROBLEM

Associate
Joined
6 Dec 2006
Posts
25
Hardware
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Western Digital 120GB ( cant remember model num ) approx 2 years old
Maxtor 80GB ( cant remember model num ) approx 3-4 years old
Phillips 120GB external usb 2.0

Vantec Vortex Cooling System X2

Setup
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2 Internal drives are in their own vantec box
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SY-000-VA

Background Info
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I had my main HDD the western digital situated in the HDCS for nearly a year no problems and the 2nd HDD running on its own in the case. I bought another Vantec HDCS two weeks ago and had put my Maxtor inside.

The Problem
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I was playing TFC two days ago, the computer had probablly been on for 3-4 hours. Suddenly my pc crashed which is pretty rare as i keep it in good condition. I rebooted the computer but noticed windows wasn't being loaded and i couldnt hear my HDD's start up. I checked the BIOS and could see only my external USB2.0 drive was being picked up.
I opened up my case and removed the 4pin power connecters to both Vantec box's and re-connected the power connectors straight to the HDD's themselves. To make sure that the vantec box's werent the problem. Suprise suprise they started up everything back to normal.
I assumed that my power box ( cant remember model or manufacturer due to me being at work right now ) voltage was too low to run the 2 Vantec box's and the HDD's. Its a 300W powerpack, so i thought i would buy a new one at xmas. However yesterday i was playing tfc again and the same thing happened which makes me think maybe the HDD's are dieing on me ?
Which wouldnt suprise me as they are getting a bit old.

I have a few questions

1. Is there a program where i can test if my hdd is dieing
2. Does this sound like a power related problem?
3. IF i have to buy two new drives i would like to purhcase a silent, fast, SATA drive - any people know of some ?
4. If i buy a SATA drive do i need anything else to connect it to my motherboard which is an ASUS model ( approx 2 years old ).

Im at work at the moment so cant get you models and exact hardware specs :(
 
1) There are links to the drive manufacturers disgnostic programs in the main sticky - go get the Maxtor and WD ones and run them (chances are one will do both but get both to be safe)

2) Unlikely given that the only change is the addition of one Vantec box, I doubt that you were that close to maxing out your PSU.

3) Seagate 7200.10s, pick whatever size you need but the 320Gb ones offer the best value for money.

4) Assuming you have SATA ports then you're all set. Depending on the board you may need to add SATA drivers during the windows install but that's another issue.
 
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